VIDEO: Oprah Says Put Away Your Cell Phone When Driving

[ft86girl]

I came across this and thought I would share:



Happy No Phone Zone Day! When Oprah Winfrey talks, people listen. Now, Oprah is telling you to shut up – well, at least while you’re driving. The talk show diva has partnered with the Governors Highway Safety Association and a variety of other agencies to get the message out about distracted driving.

On a special live show airing today (April 30), she’ll be dedicating the hour to the dangers of driving and cell phone use. It might not be the sexiest of topics, but it’s an important one, especially since many provinces and states have passed cell phone laws that penalize drivers using hand-held mobile phones and devices.

The show is promoting a new awareness campaign called “No Phone Zone,” which cautions drivers not to talk or text on their mobile devices while driving. During this special episode, Oprah will interview the families of victims of distracted driving collisions, as well as government officials, advocacy organizations, parents, youth, and law enforcement officers to discuss best practices and steps to limit distracted driving. The hour-long Oprah Winfrey Show will also host viewing rallies in cities across the US, including Detroit, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Tune in this Friday and pledge to make your car a “No Phone Zone.” Great for both old and new drivers alike, Oprah will be offering tips that you can implement within your own community. Currently, 23 states and Washington, D.C. have texting laws, as well as four Canadian provinces (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, and Ontario).

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivO_q8eeg4A&feature=player_embedded"]YouTube - A Special Message from Oprah - No Phone Zone[/ame]

Source: Autoguide.com

[ft86girl]

Since no talking/texting and driving is the law, or becoming the law in certain regions, do you think car manufacturers should make Bluetooth capabilities standard in their new vehicles?


I think they should as it will encourage people to put down the phone and pay attention while they're driving. Granted, there are still people who will use their cell while driving (I see it all the time), but offering Bluetooth standard, may just be that extra incentive that they need.


Thoughts???

[Victor]

Would love to have bluetooth on all vehicles. I am not convinced bluetooth is that much less distracting when driving though. I am a firm believer there is no need to text or use your cell phone while you are driving, all your attention should be on driving, not talking!

[ft86girl]

Would love to have bluetooth on all vehicles. I am not convinced bluetooth is that much less distracting when driving though. I am a firm believer there is no need to text or use your cell phone while you are driving, all your attention should be on driving, not talking!

Okay, but what happens when you have a passenger and are talking with them? Should all passengers be banned from talking so that you can concentrate on your driving (just playing devils advocate here). I know the focus should always be on driving, but the above seems to be an exception.

I think that the bluetooth will help get people to keep both hands (or atleast one) on the wheel, instead of fumbling around texting or holding their phone.

I don't know what will deter people... Here in Ontario we have a law that bans the use of handheld devices while driving, yet I still see people talking on their cells, texting and all the sort while driving...

[HachiRoku]

If laws change that talking on cell phones while driving is illegal, then it should be mandatory to have all new cars equipped with BlueTooth. I think that if it's offered, more people will use it - there will always be the selected few who will continue to talk on their cells no matter what; it's just human nature.